Best New Restaurants 2009

They are all hip, refined places to see—and be seen. But, most of all, the food is excellent. This winter, escape to one (or more) of Denver’s most fabulous new eateries for a meal that’s guaranteed to please your palate.

At their very best, restaurants offer us a sense of escape. Stop by Hutch & Spoon, a tucked-away nook on north Larimer, for a foamy cappuccino and breakfast sandwich, and the morning suddenly seems a little bit brighter. Order tapas at Olivéa in Uptown, and leave the eatery pledging to take a trip to Spain. Restaurants done right have this power. Under their spell, we can remake ourselves—if only for a couple of hours.

This year's crop of Denver's best new restaurants (listed in no particular order) all offer diversions—some more daring than others. Relive a childhood fishing trip over bites of Venue Bistro's crispy walleye; discover the wonders of bone marrow at TAG; or transport yourself to Italy in the spreadable boccalone nduja sausage at Colt & Gray.

Book your reservation at one (or all) of these spots now—and let the Great Escape begin.

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Johnson & Wales students, all baking and pastry arts majors, competed in the Gingerbread Takeover from December 6–8. Final judging took place on Thursday in the lobby of the Sheraton Downtown Denver hotel. All photos by Sarah Boyum

Photo of the Week

The American Society of Interior Designers' (ASID) Colorado Chapter decorated the Governor's Residence for the holidays. Holiday tours, free and open to the public, will take place December 8-11 and December 15-18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All photos by Sarah Boyum